The Amazing Race 9 Wrap-up

THE AMAZING RACE, SEASON 9 WRAP-UP

I had no problems with the Family Edition, I really didn’t. In fact it was one of my favorite seasons.

Even though I enjoyed TAR8, I was still looking forward to getting back to the normal AMAZING RACE. Of course, that means traveling outside of North America. They probably went to some of the most beautiful destinations this season; Japan, Oman, Australia, Greece… all amazing places to visit.

This year’s teams have to be the best group ever (maybe after TAR3). There was not one team that you really, absolutely loved to hate… or just plain hate. There was also a lack of one fully rootable team. In a way, that could be a bad thing, but in another way, it could also be more exciting.

We barely knew John & Scott… Lisa & Joni were kinda annoying sometimes, but it would’ve been nice to see more of them. They were big TAR fans, so that’s points for them.

Dani & Danielle were by far one of the worst Racers ever. They left things behind, lost things… they freakin’ left their Race packs with all their clues, money, AND passports! Plus, they were pretty bad with directions, and didn’t much task-wise. Their claim to fame is their flirting with a certain team, but that’s basically it.

I wanted Wanda & Desiree to go far… They were Nancy & Emily v2.0 (TAR1). They had the makings of a strong team, but they showed that one mistake can end the Race. Lake & Michelle were, for some reason, being hyped as the next Colin/Christie or Jonathan/Victoria. But they weren’t at all. They were pretty tame compared to them, and it was pretty evident that they were a strong couple.

Dave & Lori defied early hype as well. They weren’t these huge nerd/geeks that was shown during the TAR10 previews. They were a nice, young couple that did better than anyone probably expected. BJ & Tyler… again, their shtick got old. Enough with the act! As Monica said, “TTOW my ass.” They were competent enough Racers, but they are surely not one of the best teams ever. Winning The Amazing Race by no means justifies yourself one of the best. A good team maybe, but one of the best… definitely not.

Eric & Jeremy were funny, while they got a little annoying after a couple of episodes of flirting with the “Double Ds,” once they focused on the Race, they proved to be one of the most consistently good teams ever. Finishing 1-2 every leg of the Race (except for one) is a pretty amazing feat. They barely made any mistakes, they were physically strong, made good decisions most of the time, and were able to have a good time (which is an important part of the Race). Ray & Yolanda were pretty much in the background for the first half of the season, and once they stepped out in front, they still didn’t really provide much. They’re a great couple, but there wasn’t really “a moment” that defined them.

Fran & Barry started off horribly, they plain sucked in the first few legs. Walking past clues, choosing the wrong Detours… they didn’t make themselves endearing at all. But they turned it on towards the middle of the Race, and showed hints of Teri & Ian and Meredith & Gretchen. Huge round of applause for their strength and endurance, especially for Fran after she overcame breast cancer to do so well in the Race.

And finally, the misunderstood team of TAR9, Monica & Joseph. I still don’t see what everyone hates in them. Yes, they had arguments, but they were clearly during the most frustrating parts of the Race. Regardless, they never got past one sentence of heated talk each. Afterwards, they would push forward. Monica never gave up once, so I don’t see the Flo comparison. She did an equal number of Road Blocks as Joseph, so she was just as strong as anyone else, if not more so.

Overall, TAR9 will be one of the better seasons. A very good cast, amazing locations, not a lot of drama (which is GOOD), and just an overall good season.

So up next, the milestone TENTH season of THE AMAZING RACE! A few years ago, most people probably would’ve never thought the show would reach a 10th season. Sundays at 8PM/7c should be good. September is so far away.